Invented Cities

Why do cities look the way they do? In this fascinating exploration of the strikingly different landscapes of Boston and New York, Mona Domosh cites historical, social, and economic reasons for the shaping of each city in the nineteenth century. She contrasts Boston's domestic landscape of parks and residences with New York's expansive retail and financial buildings, showing how these reflect the beliefs, fears, and values of the individuals and groups who lived there. "A stimulating example of the 'new' cultural geography". -- Virginia Quarterly Review "Significant for its multilayered approach to understanding the city, Domosh's work is worthy of a careful read". -- Choice "Drawing from an impressive knowledge of cultural geography, architectural history, and urban form, Domosh argues that the distinctive features of the two cities emerged from the conflicting impulses of their respective power brokers.... Domosh presents a clearly articulated synthesis that should put to rest any notion that architectural form can be discussed without a deep understanding of cultural context". -- Adam M. Sweeting, American Book Review "This book moves beyond existing studies and unpacks the meaning architecture held for its clients, deepening our understanding of architectural and urban form". -- Daniel Bluestone, author of Constructing Chicago